Cricket Australia has finally approved the most-waited Australia’s tour of Pakistan after 24 years and the visitors will play a total of three Test matches, three ODIs, and a single T20I, starting from March 4 at the Rawalpindi.
The revised schedule states that Rawalpindi will host the tour-opening Test match swapped with Karachi who will host the second Test match on March 12. The schedule was changed to make the logistical and operational challenges easier and to avoid the day rehearsals of Pakistan, which are starting from Islamabad on the second week of March.
Cricket Australia (CA) has finally endorsed the most-waited Australia’s tour of Pakistan after 24 years and the visitors will play a total of three Test matches, three ODIs, and a single T20I, starting from March 4 at the Rawalpindi.
The Gaddafi Cricket Stadium will be hosting the final Test match against Australia. Then both the teams will return to Rawalpindi to play the four white-ball matches from March 29 and April 5. The three-Test matches will be part of the ICC Test Championship while the three ODIs will be included.
Matches Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Mar 4-8 | 1st Test | Rawalpindi |
| Mar 12-16 | 2nd Test | Karachi |
| Mar 21-25 | 3rd Test | Lahore |
| Mar 29 | 1st ODI | Rawalpindi |
| Mar 31 | 2nd ODI | Rawalpindi |
| Apr 2 | 3rd ODI | Rawalpindi |
| Apr 5 | Only T20I | Rawalpindi |
As part of an agreement between both the cricket boards, Australia’s Test side will complete their isolation in their country, before arriving in Islamabad for the tour on February 27 on an arranged chartered flight.
After one-day room isolation in the hotel, they will go for the training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The squad from the white-ball players is expected to arrive in Lahore on March 24.
The formal go-ahead from Cricket Australia marks a significant milestone towards marquee teams returning to play in Pakistan, even if some touring players continue to harbor concerns.
New Zealand and England have recently canceled their tours of Pakistan late last year, citing fears over security. The ECB, as a gesture of apology, has since agreed to tour Pakistan in late 2022 for a detailed tour followed by seven T20Is and three Tests, either side of the T20 World Cup.
“We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side’s five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years,”
PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain said.
“We are excited to host Pat Cummins and his players and look forward to a competitive series that will comprise three Tests, three ODIs, and a T20I.
“While Australia will arrive at the back of strong performances in their home series against England, our team has been playing excellent cricket resulting in our players sweeping the ICC Awards. This braces for a keenly contested series, something that the fans will thoroughly enjoy and remember for a long time.”